PHOENIX (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles left their canine masks at dwelling.
Back within the Super Bowl 5 years after successful the primary Lombardi Trophy in franchise historical past, the Eagles took a unique path to succeed in this one. They’re 1 1/2-point favorites in opposition to the Kansas City Chiefs, per FanDuel Sportsbook, after outscoring the Giants and 49ers 69-14 within the playoffs.
In their earlier look, the Eagles turned the primary No. 1 seed to enter the playoffs as a house underdog. After sneaking previous Atlanta within the divisional spherical, they had been underdogs in opposition to Minnesota within the NFC championship recreation. They routed the Vikings and went on to beat Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the favored New England Patriots within the Super Bowl.
During that run, gamers embraced their underdog standing, introduced canine masks to the video games and wore them round Minnesota for Super Bowl week. No want for any further motivation this time round.
The Eagles (16-3) are getting a lot of the hype, even in opposition to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs (16-3).
With Jalen Hurts main a high-powered offense and Haason Reddick headlining a stingy protection, the Eagles have been dominant all through a lot of the season.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs had a harder path up to now. They beat the Jaguars 27-20 within the divisional spherical and edged the Bengals 23-20 on a area aim within the closing seconds. Mahomes performed with a badly sprained ankle in opposition to Cincinnati. An further week off has helped however he’ll face a ferocious, relentless move rush.
“They’re one of many high defenses within the league for a cause,” Mahomes mentioned. “They get after the quarterback, so it’ll be an ideal problem for us to go on the market and attempt to have some success.”
The Eagles notice taking part in in opposition to Mahomes is a harder problem than Daniel Jones and the Giants, and Brock Purdy/Josh Johnson and the 49ers.
“Mahomes is an incredible talent,” Reddick mentioned. “I don’t know if you happen to can comprise him. He’s that good.”
Both groups have scored 546 factors this season. It’s the primary time two No. 1 seeds are taking part in within the Super Bowl for the reason that Eagles-Patriots met after the 2017 season.
The Chiefs have a major edge in experience as they make their third look on this recreation in 4 years. Coach Andy Reid is 1-2 in Super Bowls, together with a loss with the Eagles 18 years in the past. Philadelphia’s Nick Sirianni has by no means coached in a Super Bowl.
Pro Picks likes talent over experience. The Eagles are stacked, they’re wholesome and so they’ve been the extra spectacular group since Week 1.
EAGLES, 31-23
2022 RECORD
Last Week: Straight up: 2-0. Against unfold: 1-1.
Playoffs: Straight up: 10-2. Against unfold: 5-7
Overall season: Straight up: 181-101. Against unfold: 141-136-5.
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Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter at https://twitter.com/robmaaddi
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